Post-Doctoral Fellow

Position Summary:

The School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering invites applications for a Post-Doctoral Fellow position to join Prof. Haotian Liu’s thermo-fluids and heat transfer research group. The successful candidate will lead and conduct research focused on energy efficient and environmentally friendly thermal systems and thermal management solutions. This role offers the opportunity to collaborate with both academic and industry partners as part of the Center for Integrated Building Systems (CIBS), a university-industry consortium.

Ideal candidates will have a strong background in thermo-fluids, heat transfer, HVAC systems, energy modeling, or related areas. Key responsibilities include conducting independent research, managing ongoing research projects, contributing to proposal development and peer-reviewed publications, and mentoring graduate and undergraduate students. The candidate will perform scholarly work on numerical modeling and experimental testing on both system and component levels, including vapor compression cycles, compressors, and heat exchangers. The candidate will also build and develop prototypes and demonstration systems, acquire data, conduct data analysis, and perform the corresponding reporting to research sponsors.

Responsibilities and Duties

50% – Research

• Develop and optimize models for vapor compression and thermal management systems.
• Innovate designs for key components such as compressors and heat exchangers.
• Conduct experimental testing to validate simulation results and demonstrate new technologies.
• Support software development and facilitate technology transfer to industry partners.

20% – Research Management

• Manage project tasks to meet sponsor requirements and timelines.
• Maintain and update project plans and monitor budgets
• Coordinate communication among team members and collaborators.

20% – Proposal Development & Professional Service

• Prepare research proposals for various funding agencies
• Assist with grant management, contract communications, and establishing partnerships.
• Represent the research group at conferences and professional events.
• Participate in peer review and professional societies.

10% – Student Mentoring

• Train and supervise students in experimental and modeling techniques.
• Guide data analysis and review technical documentation.
• Provide support on publications, presentations, and research communication.

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field.
• Experience with vapor compression cycles, positive displacement compressors, and thermal management systems, including both modeling and experimental work.
• Demonstrated ability in planning and constructing experimental facilities.
• Experience supervising students and effectively communicating complex technical concepts.
• Strong record of scholarly research, with publications in peer-reviewed journals and conferences.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

Salary will be commensurate with education, experience, qualifications and contingent on available funding. Benefits include comprehensive medical plans. Information on benefits can be found at https://hr.okstate.edu/benefits/index.html

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS:

The process of reviewing applications will begin soon and will continue until a successful candidate is selected.

Interested and qualified candidates should apply online at https://jobs.okstate.edu. A single pdf file is requested with your application. The file should include:

• a cover letter addressing research interest, experience and skills that fulfill the requirements;
• a Curriculum Vitae;
• a concise, two-page research statement (including figures, excluding references);
• a listing of three professional references with contact information.

Questions about the position should directed to Dr. Haotian Liu at haotian.liu@okstate.edu

All positions are subject to the availability of funding, and any offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check.